El Confidencial credits Manchester United’s plans to bid £60m for Bale – David Moyes is keen to sign a marquee summer player to begin his tenure at Old Trafford – as the reason why Real have been sparked into action.

Spurs boss Andre Villas-Boas will not want to lose Bale, who won the PFA Player of the Year and Young Player last season, but may not have any choice in the matter if Levy decides to cash in on the club’s prize asset.